Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-17

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The formation of rain-shadow deserts

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The diagram illustrates how a certain desert known as rain-shadowed desert is formed, in first step the wind coming from the sea approaches the coast, then the wind held up because of the mountains, then the wind gets cools down because the temperature above the sea level is usually cold.

After that, the condensation causes that cold wind to turn into clouds then those clouds rises and at some point the weight of the cloud becomes heavy which causes them to rain, because of the rain the moist from the wind is removed which causes the dry wind to go to the other side of the mountain, the wind on the other side becomes too dry, then it travels downwards to the land due to which that land becomes shadowed by rain.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the main sequence from winds approaching the coast to dry air reaching inland, and you mention the mountain’s role in producing rain on the windward side and a dry area beyond it. However, the account is only partial and includes unsupported explanations: the diagram does not say that air cools because temperatures above sea level are usually cold, or that cloud weight causes rainfall. It also does not clearly state the overall contrast between moist air rising and raining on the windward side and dry winds creating a rain-shadow desert on the leeward side. The response is below the required 150 words, which limits how fully you can report the stages. Add a concise overview and explain the diagram’s labelled stages more accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The stages are presented broadly in the correct order, and sequencing expressions such as “in first step,” “then,” and “after that” help the reader follow the process. However, the response is one long sentence-like paragraph, with several stages joined by repeated “then” and “which causes.” This makes the progression feel mechanical and some relationships difficult to track. For example, the transition from condensation to clouds, rainfall, and the removal of moisture is compressed into one extended chain. Use separate sentences or paragraphs to group the windward-side stages and the movement of dry air inland. More precise links between stages would make the explanation easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “approaches the coast,” “condensation,” “clouds,” “moist,” and “dry wind,” so the topic is generally clear. However, the range is limited and some choices are inaccurate or awkward, such as “rain-shadowed desert,” “the wind held up,” and “the land becomes shadowed by rain.” The diagram describes a “rain-shadow desert,” with dry winds reaching inland; it does not mean the land is literally shadowed by rain. Repetition of “wind,” “clouds,” and “causes” also restricts precision. Build a more accurate set of terms for the process, such as “is forced upwards,” “cools,” “precipitation,” and “leeward side,” and use them consistently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt to connect several stages using subordinate clauses, including “because of the rain” and “which causes,” but the response relies heavily on long, joined sentences and has frequent grammatical errors. For example, “in first step” needs an article, “the wind gets cools down” has an incorrect verb form, and “those clouds rises” has subject–verb disagreement. The opening also joins independent ideas with commas, while “the weight of the cloud becomes heavy which causes them to rain” has unclear agreement and clause structure. These errors sometimes make the process harder to understand. Practise writing shorter, complete sentences first, then add accurate complex clauses and check articles, verb forms, agreement, and punctuation.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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